University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A measure of charge in the axon (nerve fiber) when there is no signal in the neuron. Its charge is about -70mV, which jumps if the neuron is stimulated (in which case the charge is referred to as the action potential).

Resting potential

After a neuron's receptor is stimulated, a nerve impulse is released and the resting potential increases to the action potential, before going back down to the resting potential.

Nerve impulse

A the peak measure of charge in the axon when there is a signal in the neuron. Its charge is about +40mV and soon goes back to -70mV after the signal resides.

Action potential

Goldstein, E. B. (2014). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research and everyday experience. Nelson Education.


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